Founded in 1976, Jonathan Ball Publishers has become synonymous with authoritative non-fiction, political biographies, and thought-provoking works that shape national conversation.
They’ve published titles by Desmond Tutu, Helen Zille, and Redi Tlhabi, while also distributing international literary powerhouses like HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster in South Africa. Under CEO Eugene Ashton, the house continues to balance intellectual depth with commercial relevance — a hallmark of its legacy.
Their strong representation in the 2025 Festive Reading List reflects both historical influence and continued innovation in South African publishing. Instagram · Twitter